National Surveillance Consultant

1. Purpose of consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide support for the implementation of the National Surveillance Strategy, that is in line with the World Health Organization EMRO strategy of Integrated Disease Surveillance that was endorsed by the Regional Committee in 2021. The consultant will provide a technical input to the action plan for the prioritization of diseases under surveillance network, participate in capacity building activities to ESU, improve flow of data generated by ESU, and monitor the progress in the implementation of the strategic plan within set timelines and key performance indicators.

2. Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the chronic and long-term weaknesses and limitations of the organizational capacity of the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (ESU) in Lebanon. The ongoing socioeconomic crisis has further compounded these limitations and created serious gaps with experienced and trained epidemiologists leaving the country for better opportunities. Based on requests from the MoPH in Lebanon, WHO stepped in with targeted human resources support for key surveillance roles and functions with the overall aim to respond to the ongoing national outbreaks and limit the damage of these compounded crises. Whereas this intervention was able to sustain the functionality of the ESU during this period, it has also highlighted the need for a structural overhaul based on prioritization of diseases and activities, along with a systematic approach to address the organizational capacity needed to absorb different surveillance activities under the ESU functions. Earlier this year during April 2022, WHO hosted a 2-week mission of national and international experts that conducted an overall SWOT analysis to guide and inform the development of a national integrated surveillance strategy focused on prioritization of diseases, improved organizational capacity, improved data flow, improved quality monitoring, and to provide a financial sustainability plan.

The completion of this exercise will rely on multiple mapping exercises, drafting of SOPs, trainings and workshops, monitoring of performance indicators, and overall progress monitoring.

3. Work to be performed

The consultant will be responsible for the following outputs/deliverables:

Output 1: Provide technical input to the action plan to follow up on the ESU roadmap of disease prioritization, improved human resources capacity, improved flow of information, and improvement of quality performance

Deliverable 1.1 Map and revise all documents related to the core functions, support functions, surveillance quality, and surveillance system structure

Deliverable 1.2 Update the national ESU roadmap with specific timelines and key performance indicators

Deliverable 1.3 Update surveillance standard operating procedures (SOPs), case definitions, term of references (TORs), and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Deliverable 1.4 Conduct weekly meetings and contribute to technical briefings

Deliverable 1.5: Update the list of priority diseases with justifications

Deliverable 1.6: Provide monthly updates on the work progress

Output 2: For the duration of the consultancy, monitor of the implementation of the national surveillance strategy

Deliverable 2.1 Produce periodic data trends and performance reports against set indicators and timeline

Deliverable 2.2 Conduct necessary field visits to follow up on implementation and progress at field level

Deliverable 2.3 Organize coordination meetings for follow up on activities

Deliverable 2.4 Draft minutes of meetings and submit progress reports

4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications: university degree in Epidemiology Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy or related area

Desirable:

Master’s degree in Epidemiology with background in either Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy or related area

Experience:

2 years of relevant experience in health surveillance systems or health information systems With Field experience in epidemiology or surveillance

Familiarity with the MOPH structure and ESU in particular is an added value.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrated ability to interact in complex situations involving technical, cultural and political elements.
• Sound analytical and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of surveillance issues and emerging diseases
• Excellent presentation with ability to communicate in a credible and effective way, with emphasis on writing skills.
• Proven ability to work and produce results under pressure in critical situations.
• Tact, diplomacy and courtesy.

Languages and level required:

Proficiency in reading, speaking and writing English and Arabic is required.

Proficiency in French is an asset.

5. Location

The consultant is expected to perform her/his work in Beirut, Lebanon

6. Planned timelines (Dates are subject to confirmation)

Start date: 16/04/2023

End date: 31/12/2023

7. Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

8. Travel Will not be needed

9. Budget Payment every 2 months upon submission of progress report on deliverables.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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